CYP Now - Stop posting photos of knives on social media, police told

London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has called on the Metropolitan Police to stop posting images of confiscated knives and weapons on social media, after finding these can trigger fear among young people and cause some to locate more dangerous weapons to protect themselves.

Young People's Action Group carried out peer-led surveys and workshops to find out young people's views on knife imagery. Picture: Young People's Action Group

The research, by London's VRU, commissioned by University College London, found that seeing images of knives and dangerous weapons posted by police on social media can have a detrimental effect on young people’s sense of safety.

According to Louisa Rolfe, assistant commissioner, at the Met Police, the force has historically shared these images to “highlight the work of our officers and their successful results".

She said: "This has helped to reassure communities that the Met is committed to targeting those carrying weapons and fuelling violence our streets.”

However, peer-led surveys and workshops conducted by London VRU’s Young People’s Action Group with 12-to 25-year-olds, found that more than half of the young people consulted felt unsafe, scared and worried after seeing images of knives posted online by police.

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